Australia’s latest Prime Minister – Kevin Rudd – has slammed the door on asylum seekers attempting to enter the country by boat. Mr Rudd has confirmed a deal that will see asylum seekers sent to Papua New Guinea – PNG – for assessment, and if they are found to be genuine refugees, they’ll be resettled there.

PNG’s prime minister Peter O’Neill joined Mr Rudd in formally unveiling the plan in Brisbane on Friday. Mr Rudd says those found not to be refugees will be sent back to their own nations or a third country.

Mr Rudd says the deal with PNG is aimed at stopping “the scourge of people smuggling”. If nothing else the move is likely to polarize opinion on Australia’s treatment of refugees :: Read the full article »»»»